Saundre Simmons Happy To Fight In Mexico
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian boxer Saundre “Dash” Simmons has described himself as a “road warrior” as he prepares for his first fight outside the United States against Victor Aceves in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday [May 19].
Although Simmons will step into a ring on foreign soil for the first time, the cruiserweight has fought throughout the US, especially as an amateur, and insists he will not be fazed by facing Aceves in the Mexican boxing hotbed.
The pair will meet in a four-round contest, with Simmons looking to win his fourth successive bout since joining the paid ranks.
“It’s another experience for me and that’s what makes you a better fighter,” Simmons told Bernews. “It will help put me reach a whole other level.
“I’m a road warrior – that was my amateur career. I was always on the road.
“Fighting at home [in North Carolina] as a pro has felt new to me, whereas getting prepared to travel for a fight feels natural.
“I’m sure the nerves will kick-in when I get there, but I’m not too worried.”
Simmons said has not watched any video footage of 35-year-old Aceves [2-6-2] but is confident of making the necessary adjustments during the contest.
“I know he’s shorter than me and will want to work on the inside,” he said.
“I’ve been doing a lot of work with a strength and conditioning coach, and this is the strongest I’ve ever felt.”
The 26-year-old has only completed one of the 12 scheduled rounds from his opening three bouts, knocking out Marcell Sams Jr in the first round in Charlotte in March, beating Jayvone Dafney inside one round in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in February, stopping Tre Baker in the second stanza in Charlotte in December last year.
Born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, Simmons was raised by his Bermudian parents in Somerset before moving to Asheville, North Carolina, with his mother when he was 12.
He enjoyed a successful amateur career, placing runner-up at the USA National Boxing Championships in Louisiana and the Golden Gloves of America in Oklahoma in 2021.
